Brooklyn Nets: Spencer Dinwiddie continues to be a team player

It may still be the summer, but Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie continues to promote his team and defend its honor.

The Brooklyn Nets have been very busy this summer, making several deals to reshape the roster for a stronger run in 2018-19. One of their key pieces from last season’s squad is Spencer Dinwiddie as he looks to build on a breakout season that put him on every team’s radar.

The Nets were in a tough situation last season when starting point guard D’Angelo Russell went down with injury, pushing the little known Dinwiddie into action with more playing time. The former Colorado product responded with incredible clutch play and versatility at both guard positions, creating matchup problems for opponents.

Dinwiddie averaged career highs across the board with 12.6 points, 6.5 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game. He finished third in the Most Improved Player voting and won the Skills Challenge at All-Star Weekend. The biggest motivation came from the Nets franchise guaranteeing Dinwiddie’s contract and leaving some incentive for a bigger deal in the future.

Dinwiddie showed his loyalty immediately on Twitter, clapping back at a variety of Nets critics. Metta World Peace felt the New York Knicks were Eastern Conference Finals contenders while Enes Kanter fanned the flames, giving a thumbs down outside doors with the Nets logo displayed.

Kanter was so bold to even tag Dinwiddie in the post to start the brief social media feud. The battle for New York basketball may be a little dormant due to both team’s struggles, but little spicy moments like this help bring the electricity back.

The strong loyalty to the Nets organization was obvious all season, especially during All-Star weekend in Los Angeles. Dinwiddie gushed about the chance to represent the franchise in the competition and eventually win, as he shared with reporters shortly after the event.

"“In Brooklyn, they gave me a chance to learn and grow. They believed in my abilities …. I am grateful for the opportunity. Brooklyn chose to rock with me while two of our main guys were hurt. You know, it’s just fortunate to be able to capitalize on that opportunity.”"

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Nets general manager Sean Marks continues to preach winning with his franchise and securing Dinwiddie will be a top priority moving forward. During a recent conference call, Marks addressed the team’s plans for the upcoming season.

"“[We must] continue to compete. That’s really important for us; it’s important for our current players they want to go out there and compete,” said Marks. “This is not a year we’re just going to sit there because we control our own pick and say, ‘All right, let’s just hope that pick is as good as it possibly can be.’ It’s important for the fans to see the trajectory we’re on.”"

Dinwiddie’s willingness to engage in social media bouts for his squad speaks volumes for the respect he has for the franchise and its loyalty moving forward. The Nets need players like Dinwiddie continuing to fight for the team’s respect and eventually change the losing culture.